Free Music Friday! Moody art-rock from Theresa Andersson

Theresa Andersson is a creative rock musician from Sweden.

Courtesy of Girlie Action Inc.

Courtesy of Girlie Action Inc.

Sam McDonald

I first encountered Theresa Andersson at the Attucks Theatre in Norfolk where she played as part of the Discovery Music Series. What a discovery she was. A solo artist who mastered the art of using looping pedals, her set was tuneful and surprising.

Andersson was born a Swede, but she makes New Orleans home these days. Today's free track, "Street Parade," is the title cut from her newest album, released this past spring.

The song is moody, dense and lovely -- a pretty good soundtrack for a late summer afternoon.

Swedish born, New Orleans based soul singer Theresa Andersson released her critically acclaimed sophomore album, Street Parade, earlier this year on Basin Street Records. A stunning vocalist and a talented multi-instrumentalist, Theresa is best known for her live shows, where she crafts complexly layered songs using bevy of drums, stringed instruments and looping pedals. She became an instant YouTube phenomenon in 2008, when her homemade “Na Na Na” video went viral. Fans will have more chances to experience Theresa Andersson’s song weaving live as she kicks off a US tour this September.

Street Parade is a lush, joyful and sometimes melancholy ode to the city Theresa has called “home” for nearly 20 years. For a taste of the album, check out “Fiya’s Gone,” a jazz-tinged track with soulful vocals atop a swinging rhythm, where it premiered with Consequence of Sound or HERE, and we encourage you to post & share.

The record’s title track “Street Parade” reflects a dreamy Nordic pop sensibility firmly rooted and influenced by the warm gospel and soul sounds that drew the artist to New Orleans in the first place. Watch the artful “Street Parade” video or grab the MP3, and for a taste of what you can expect to see on tour, be sure to watch Theresa’s LIVE performance on KCRW “Morning Becomes Eclectic” HERE.